There are numerous approaches to the art healing through touch, massage and bodywork. Some focus on the physiology of the body, and others on the release of emotional tension and others work more subtly on the energy levels within the body. One of the largest problems that I have is that men, being the physical people that they are, and yes I am generalising here sorry, but they still tend to view massage as an excuse for foreplay and don't seem to understand that you can touch and caress someone without it being sexual.

These days massage therapy styles combine ancient and modern techniques drawn from both the East and West. Basically what they all have in common with each other is the aim to bring harmony and well-being to the person receiving the massage by releasing tension and congestion and thereby allowing the restoration of natural vitality. ...... it all sounds rather fluffy really doesn't it.

It seems that every time I get the short course booklet from the various Universities, TAFE Colleges or other various institutions I am always finding another massage technique popping up. I am not proficient in all of them and given time I reckon I could probably make a few up myself ( I have done, I call it the 'Dutch' massage).

I guess massage can be split into two different types of massage, soft tissue and deep tissue and then the various techniques employed to administer them.

Here are the more common styles around:

Soft tissue massage

The most common, and probably the one we've all heard of is the Swedish massage. Whenever you see a movie and someone is getting a massage it will most likely be a Swedish massage, the therapist will be tall, fit, have blonde hair, blue eyes, tanned skin, big breasts if female, square shoulders and large biceps if male and are always wearing a white uniform of some sort .... what is with that ? .... I could almost fit that description but I'm Dutch not Swedish, oh and I obviously don't have breasts, nor do I have 'man-boobs' for that matter !

Soft tissue massage may use a variety of massage techniques and may include the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body. The strokes employed to deliver help to boost the circulatory system and increase the exchange of tissue fluids, detox, and lactic acid build up etc.

Swedish massage, sports massage, physiotherapy and lymphatic massage are particularly beneficial as they work directly with the anatomy and physiology of the body to restore vitality and a state of relaxation. There are many types of Oriental bodywork, Shiatsu and acupressure are the most common of these.

Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage aims to restore structural alignment and balance within the body by releasing chronic tensions, formed by deep muscular tension, which inhibit postural areas and movement .... how is that for a mouthful ! For the layman Deep tissue is as its name suggests, it goes in deep. It's designed to reach the deeper sections of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibres by actions of friction and stretching of the connective tissue, or fascia, which wraps, bids, supports and separates all the internal structures such as the skeletal muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and organs. It helps to loosen and un stick the fibres of the muscles and thus releasing toxins and getting the blood and oxygen circulating properly.

Some of the same strokes are used as with soft tissue massages, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain. When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. This is where I often use direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles at which point you normally yelp "what is THAT?"

There are over 80 types of massage in use today that are based on concepts of human function, anatomy, and physiology that utilize a wide variety of soft tissue and manipulative techniques.
I do NOT offer all the styles below but have endeavoured to give you a broad description of the many styles that are available.

This classical European massage technique combines three basic strokes to the skin: long, firm strokes, kneading strokes and small circles. This gentle but firm manipulation of the muscle tissue with special oils relieves pain and tension, increases flexibility and induces relaxation while improving circulation.

This ancient Chinese technique involves massage of specific pressure points (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to help re-establish the flow of energy and pressure while relieving stress throughout the body

This massage is used to free up congestion of the muscle attachments. Deep work brings about realignment of postural distortions; restores proper range of motion and may also relieve emotional tension. Muscle function and awareness are balanced, and elasticity is revived.

This type of massage is performed to eliminate knots, locked up areas, and emotional blocks in the body due to prolonged stress. Several leverage techniques and kneading are utilised for a very firm massage. See Deep Tissue

NON SEXUAL (depending on what you call 'sexual') ...... Involves the tactile manipulation (massage) of specific body muscles to relax and refresh the physical body and to help achieve a long lasting inner peace.

The "Massage" objective of Tantric Balancing is to relax the constricted muscles along the spine and deep within the pelvic cavity, thereby releasing pent-up stress and buried emotional blockages as a burst of cleansing energy.

What Tantric Balancing attempts to do is embrace the similarities we all share physically, spiritually, and mentally/emotionally to stimulate a strong, positive personal response to life, love, and human sexuality.

Charka: "Energy centre". There are seven Charkas that are interconnected.

One achieves the state of health and well being when the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of oneself are balanced and in a state of harmony. Charkas run along the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Meditative disciplines and therapies such as Reiki, colour and light, crystal and stones are believed to re-balance the charkas.

This is a smooth, relaxing massage composed of gently increasing levels of pressure. It improves the circulation, relieves muscular tension, improves the range of movement, and promotes an increased feeling of well-being and relaxation. Relaxation massages can be done on individual areas of the body, such as back, face, hands, feet, or they can be done as a whole body massage. These massages can often be combined with essential oils to give added balance and harmony

Ka Huna bodywork originated in the South Pacific and was used during Rites of Passage as a transformational massage and healing system. It is also known as Hawaiian Temple Style massage and Lomi Lomi. Through thier hands the practioner flows the love from their heart to connect with the soul of the one receiving the massage.

This form of bodywork provides a holistic approach to healing by balancing the body-mind in its physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions. Using flowing hula and Tai Chi style movements, your therapist uses their hands, forearms and elbows and moves around the table working with energy while applying soft and deep tissue massage.

When a client asks me after receiving a massage what style is that I used I've always responded with "it's an assimilation of various styles" however, now that I have completed Reiki level 2 I now incorporate that in to my massaging as well.

'Dutch' is just what I call it because people ask me what style I use, as my background is Dutch I call it that ... Taswegian could also be used I guess but we're supposed to have 2 heads and that would confuse things somewhat..

Before beginning the massage we'll spend a few minutes on talking about areas of sensitivity and focusing on your breathing techniques to help you totally relax during the massage. Strokes are slow, long and caring at first, heightening the sensors and then forearms and elbows get in to iron out any knots before going in and finishing off with more caring strokes using the techniques of Ka Huna and Swedish.

I will do the majority of the massage eyes closed relying on my sense of touch, I'll be meditating and gifting my use of Reiki at the same time. Best described as being similar to a roller coaster for us both, it starts off slow and relaxing, the choreography of hands dancing in a fluid movement on muscle then builds up using deep tissue and/or remedial techniques to a depth that we had already agreed upon on as comfortable in order to relax the body and mind. All this whilst assisting in blood and lymph circulation using the long effleuragic strokes from Swedish massage.

This style of massage takes a lot out of me physically and mentally so if you are NOT a person that can relax whilst receiving a massage, a person that talks all the way through a massage, or someone that jumps up off the table within seconds of receiving a massage (which I almost find insulting).... then this is NOT for you !!

Always be sure to let your masseur know if it gets too weak, too strong, when enough is enough, or you want it deeper or harder.

Whether you are feeling lack lustre, out of kilter, or in pain, the 'Dutch' massage offers excellent treatment possibilities for people suffering stress, depression, exhaustion, physical discomfort and injuries, confusion, grief or loss, or just needing some TLC.

I never knew what this meant so whenever someone asked me if I did 'hand relief' I'd say 'sure easy, no 'problemo', I soon discovered the true meaning behind this request when they asked for it at the end and I told them that I'd already spent a good 5 minutes massaging their hands !

Needless to say that I don't do this kind of massaging, I offer a LEGITIMATE service and in no way do I offer or provide any sexual services, the only 'hand relief' I give is massaging Mrs. Palmer and her 5 daughters.

Hand relief, relief or happy ending is just a few of the more common names other than 'hand job or head job' that people use when wanting the ultimate ending to a massage ...... a manual or oral orgasm. Once thought of as something only offered to men by cheap massage studios, more and more women are being offered similar services as a freind of mine in Bali was offered by her female therapist "you want me licky licky"... equality is there in all it's glory.

Have some respect for your female or male therapist and let them know that you'd like to have your genitals massaged, and DON’T be offended if they say NO.

If you are expecting sex then there are lots and lots of sex workers out there especially for that and enjoy quality from a professional!